More than 2,500 people out of work because of Covid-19 should have received their first emergency benefits payments by yesterday.Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said that the Accountant-General had paid out more than $2 million to a total of 2,106 applicants on Tuesday.Ms Foggo added: “These are individuals who are receiving payment for the first time.” She added that another 397 claimants got their first payments yesterday — a total of $356,542. Ms Foggo said: “All those expecting payment should check their bank accounts to confirm they have received the funds.”She added that anyone who applied for benefits before April 6, but had not received a payment or been told they were ineligible, should call either 297-7714 or 297-7716 on Monday.Ms Foggo said: “I extend my appreciation and thanks to the teams at the Accountant-General’s Department and the Department of Workforce Development for getting the applications processed for payment.”